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      05-12-2019, 09:03 PM   #1
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Worn out microfibre cloths?

Not sure what's going on, but my Chemical Guys microfibre cloths just aren't absorbing water very well anymore. It's almost like when you use that really shitty paper towel and it just spreads the water around on your hands.

My washing routine has always been to use their "microfibre wash" on normal cycle, hot water, two rinses, and a quick low-heat cycle in the dryer.

Are they just worn out after two years of use?
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      05-12-2019, 11:13 PM   #2
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Time for new towels. I typically cycle mine as the get older and/or dirty. I start with paint work... then interior... then wheels/engine... finally they get used for mechanical work.
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      05-12-2019, 11:20 PM   #3
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Is there a reason no one uses chamois any more? Every detail show I watch they use micro fiber towels and just drag them across.. but yeah microfiber towels deteriorate over time..
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      05-13-2019, 01:36 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SAMM3Y View Post
Is there a reason no one uses chamois any more? Every detail show I watch they use micro fiber towels and just drag them across.. but yeah microfiber towels deteriorate over time..
Microfiber is supposed to pickup and lift dirt. Chamois don't have that ability.
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      05-13-2019, 06:37 AM   #5
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I'm very happy with my Klin Korea drying towels !

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      05-13-2019, 10:24 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dparm View Post
Not sure what's going on, but my Chemical Guys microfibre cloths just aren't absorbing water very well anymore. It's almost like when you use that really shitty paper towel and it just spreads the water around on your hands.

My washing routine has always been to use their "microfibre wash" on normal cycle, hot water, two rinses, and a quick low-heat cycle in the dryer.

Are they just worn out after two years of use?
Worn out. Look into The Rag Company. They have lots of varieties for various applications. It can be a bit daunting but they were very responsive and helpful if you email them. Helped me figure out the right towels for my use/needs. Also, for basic all purpose micro fibers check out Costco, best price around for decent towels.

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Originally Posted by SAMM3Y View Post
Is there a reason no one uses chamois any more? Every detail show I watch they use micro fiber towels and just drag them across.. but yeah microfiber towels deteriorate over time..
Microfibers are design to lift dirt and safely remove them from the surface so that any loose particles don't scratch/mar the surface. Chamois are decent on glass but don't lift dirt and debris away from the surface and just drag the particles around, messing up your paint. Ever look at a car's paint in direct sunlight and see that swirling spiderweb effect? That's likely the result of poor washing habits like washing with dirty wash mits or those coin-op car wash brushes or wiping your car with things like regular bath towels, chamois, etc
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      05-13-2019, 10:28 PM   #7
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I retired the micro fibers for an airforce master blaster.
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      05-13-2019, 11:19 PM   #8
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I'm very happy with my Klin Korea drying towels !


The fact that a detailer is wearing a watch (and a metal one at that) while working a car instantly disqualifies him.
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      05-14-2019, 03:45 PM   #9
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Quote:
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The fact that a detailer is wearing a watch (and a metal one at that) while working a car instantly disqualifies him.
....and the towel....
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      05-15-2019, 07:57 PM   #10
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Quote:
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I retired the micro fibers for an airforce master blaster.
This. The best drying method is touch-less. If you can get your car 90%+ dry without touching it - you'll be much better positioned to avoid swirls.
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      05-15-2019, 08:17 PM   #11
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This. The best drying method is touch-less. If you can get your car 90%+ dry without touching it - you'll be much better positioned to avoid swirls.
I already use a handheld Ryobi leaf blower. I still need towels for things though.
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      05-15-2019, 08:55 PM   #12
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Quote:
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I already use a handheld Ryobi leaf blower. I still need towels for things though.
Of course! Always need more. For the towels, if you're interested and want to spend some time researching, these videos were helpful to better understand microfiber towels.

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      05-15-2019, 08:58 PM   #13
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A $400 blow dryer? That's dyson status.. hhmmm... There's a lot more tools I'd buy before that, maybe if I owned a detailing business or a Ferrari..
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      05-16-2019, 09:17 AM   #14
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A $400 blow dryer? That's dyson status.. hhmmm... There's a lot more tools I'd buy before that, maybe if I owned a detailing business or a Ferrari..
Yeah, that's ridiculous. I bought a $60 Ryobi and it's fine. I already had the battery packs from a drill and impact gun so it was an easy choice.
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      05-26-2019, 07:54 PM   #15
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if you want you can boil old microfiber towels to "restore" them. when they stob absorbing water like they did when new its likely because the fibers are clogged. Try soaking them in boiling water for a few min prior to washing. you can pour boiling water into a bucket and then add the towels. Let them sit for a few and then wash them in the machine on hot, use a dye free detergent (all free and clear works well) add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle and line dry them. Should come back like new.
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      06-26-2019, 12:05 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Camnyc View Post
if you want you can boil old microfiber towels to "restore" them. when they stob absorbing water like they did when new its likely because the fibers are clogged. Try soaking them in boiling water for a few min prior to washing. you can pour boiling water into a bucket and then add the towels. Let them sit for a few and then wash them in the machine on hot, use a dye free detergent (all free and clear works well) add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle and line dry them. Should come back like new.
OMFG NO

not a single person has noticed that op used heat to wash the towels...mf and heat are a no go. mf specific detergent, cold wash, air dry if possible.
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      06-26-2019, 01:43 AM   #17
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Buy new ones
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      06-26-2019, 09:58 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rjd598 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Camnyc View Post
if you want you can boil old microfiber towels to "restore" them. when they stob absorbing water like they did when new its likely because the fibers are clogged. Try soaking them in boiling water for a few min prior to washing. you can pour boiling water into a bucket and then add the towels. Let them sit for a few and then wash them in the machine on hot, use a dye free detergent (all free and clear works well) add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle and line dry them. Should come back like new.
OMFG NO

not a single person has noticed that op used heat to wash the towels...mf and heat are a no go. mf specific detergent, cold wash, air dry if possible.
I would say this isn't entirely accurate. Heat is necessary to separate the chemicals (such as waxes, cleaners, etc) from the microfiber towels. It is important though NOT to use too much heat. Boiling water will certainly destroy towels, though.

I like to use the warm/cold cycle on my machine - not the hot cycle. I always use the dryer on the delicates setting - lowest heat. I've had no issues but each person's laundry set up will be different.

Check out AMMO's cleaning regiment. Good info throughout but you can jump to 10:30 for Larry's washing machine settings.

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      06-26-2019, 07:19 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rjd598 View Post
OMFG NO

not a single person has noticed that op used heat to wash the towels...mf and heat are a no go. mf specific detergent, cold wash, air dry if possible.

If they are as “dead” as the op describes, washing them in hot/adding hot water to them will clear out the fibers. May not bring them back to new but will bring them back to usable form, for use on wheels/rockets/jambs.

But if you want to throw them away and start with new ones, who am I to judge, its your $$$
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